GMB’s Alex Beresford says he ‘didn’t want Piers Morgan to quit’ in emotional statement
GOOD Morning Britain's Alex Beresford spoke out about Piers Morgan's shock departure from the show in an emotional post today.
The 55-year-old had an on-air bust-up with Alex on Tuesday that saw the host storm out of the studio - and then later quit the programme.
But posting on social media today, Alex insisted there was no ill-feeling between the pair, saying: "I didn't want him to quit - but I did want him to listen."
The pair had tangled over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who Piers had continued to attack in the wake of their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Alex wrote today: "There's so much that could be said. Piers' departure sincerely wasn't the conclusion I was hoping for.
"Over the last few years Piers and I have had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship.
"We both wanted to be on the show Tuesday morning and from our very public conversations on Twitter we both knew how strongly our opinions differed on the treatment of Harry and Meghan pre and post the interview that has split the world.
"I hoped we could reach a place of understanding. It's sad that we weren't able to get there but challenging his opinion was not an outrage. On this occasion we have to agree to disagree.
"I didn't want him to quit but I did want him to listen. Personally Piers has always supported my growth.
"He's given me advice on several occasions and for that I am grateful. I wish him well!"
Alex has been absent from the popular morning show ever since the on-air showdown with Piers.
He had accused Piers of Alex accused Piers of "trashing" Meghan Markle after he said he didn't believe the she had suffered suicidal thoughts while a royal.
Speaking about why he was sticking up for her and Prince Harry on Tuesday Alex said: "They have had an overwhelming amount of negative press.
"I watched the programme yesterday and yes, they had some great press around the wedding but what press is going to trash someone's special day?
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"There was bad press around the engagement, before the engagement, and everything that has followed since has been incredibly damaging, quite clearly to Meghan's mental health and also to Harry."
He continued to Piers: "I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle, you've made it so clear a number of times on this programme.
"I understand you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or had one and she cut you off… She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to.
"Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her."
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Piers refused to listen, eventually snapping, saying: "I'm not having this" as he stormed off the set.
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Alex later liked a tweet about "amateur dramatics" and said on Twitter "I wish. I had the privilege to stay silent".
Piers' remarks about Meghan Markle sparked 41,000 complaints to the TV watchdog Ofcom - the most for a decade.